All About Sports Guards
Sports guards do much more than protect your teeth. They also shield your braces, dental implants, bridges, and other fixed appliances, while safeguarding the inside of your cheeks and lips from potential injuries caused by braces during an accident. If you’re involved in any sport or activity where there’s a risk of falls, body contact, or flying equipment, a sports guard is a must-have. While any sports guard offers protection, a custom-made one from your dental team provides the best fit, comfort, and protection tailored specifically to your mouth and teeth. It’s a wise investment for keeping your smile safe!
So, What Are Your Options?
Stock Sports Guards
These are ready to wear and can be found at sporting goods stores. However, they often don’t fit well, can feel bulky, and make it hard to breathe or talk. Many athletes end up getting distracted by the discomfort and take them out during the game, which defeats the purpose of having one.
Boil & Bite Sports Guards
These guards come with a kit and instructions. You boil the guard, then bite into it to mold it to your teeth. While they provide a better fit than stock guards, they can still be bulky and uncomfortable for some people, making breathing or talking difficult. If you’re not happy with the fit, a custom mouth guard may be a better option.
Custom-Made Mouth Guards
Here’s where we think the best protection lies! Custom-made sports guards are designed specifically for your mouth, offering the best fit, comfort, and protection. If it’s not perfect right away, we’ll make adjustments to ensure it works for you. When it comes to safeguarding your teeth, nothing beats a mouthguard tailored to your unique dental structure.
The Cost of a Custom Sports Guard in Ajax
The cost of a custom sports guard can vary based on a few factors, but typically, if you have insurance, it averages between $100 to $300+. Without insurance, expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 or more.
- Material: The type of material your sports guard is made from plays a big role in the cost. Higher-quality materials designed for better comfort and durability will usually be on the higher end of the price range.
- Orthodontic Treatment Considerations: If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as braces, your custom guard may need to be tailored to accommodate those appliances, which could affect the price.
So, why does the cost differ?
Remember, no practice can provide an exact price without an evaluation, since each person’s needs are unique. If you’re interested, we’d be happy to discuss your options, provide an accurate quote after an oral exam, and assist you in submitting it to your insurance provider for an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Winner of the Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Asad Hasan is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Dentists in Ajax.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, mouthguards and nightguards serve different purposes. While both are designed to fit snugly over your teeth, sports guards protect your mouth from impact during physical activities, while nightguards focus on your bite and help protect against teeth grinding or clenching during sleep.
These terms are often used interchangeably to describe a device that fits over your teeth to protect them from injury or reduce the severity of damage during physical activities. The terms may vary, but the purpose is the same.
Sports guards should ideally be replaced after each sports season. Over time, they can wear down, especially if you chew on them or misuse the guard. In growing children and teens, teeth may shift, causing the guard to fit less comfortably. Many athletes opt to get a new guard during their routine 6-month dental checkup.
A well-fitting sports guard should be comfortable and allow you to breathe and talk easily. If you find yourself constantly adjusting or removing the guard during games, it likely doesn’t fit properly.
Any activity that involves falls, contact with other players, or the risk of being struck by balls or equipment calls for a sports guard. Common sports include:
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Field hockey
- Wrestling
- Boxing
- Skateboarding
- Mountain biking
- Gymnastics
- And more
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even more important to wear a sports guard with braces. A custom sports guard will not only protect your teeth but also safeguard your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks from potential injury during impact.
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